One screech and one second is everything needed find yourself at the epicenter of a car crash on I-10 in downtown San Antonio. Finding a local attorney to receive restitution after an accident will make a difference. Finding the right San Antonio car wreck attorney will make all the difference. Here are the three crucial steps you can follow to find the right local help for you.

Step One: Stay Local – Stay Specialized

Laws change from between each state and each city. When starting your search, keep your scope to San Antonio. You may know a great lawyer across the country, but local law firms need to be your first contacts.

However, just staying local is not enough. The State Bar of Texas recognizes 22 different certifications. Make sure your attorney is certified for your case. The Texas Bar website is a great resource for finding information on local, specialized attorneys.

Step Two: Do your History Homework

Identifying a specialized San Antonio car wreck attorney is great. Now, it is time to do a little digging. Case and courtroom success speaks louder than any advertisement you have seen since beginning your search. High performing lawyers will have awards and share evidence of their success.

Try looking for cases that match your situation and check the results. When you find a lawyer or two that have performed well with cases like yours, move to step three.

Step Three: Interview your Prospects

When searching for an outstanding San Antonio car wreck attorney, their willingness to physically sit down with you, listen to your case and help you weigh your options is crucial. Most attorneys will give you a free thirty-minute consultation to help you determine a fit.

Here are some essential questions for your interviews:

How many people will be working on my case?

What percent of your practice is devoted to car wreck cases? (The higher, the better)

How do I contact you? Can I contact you directly by phone?

Will I be required to cover your costs if there is no recovery? (You should get a “no.”)

Remember, your attorney is working for you. The interview should reflect that.

The attorneys at Pat Maloney specialize in car wrecks throughout San Antonio and have an outstanding history of creating results with their clients first in mind. Call today to set up your interview and get the results you need.

When a motorcycle accident happens, no matter who’s at fault, the motorcycle and its rider almost always suffer the greatest amount of damage. In the immediate aftermath, hiring a lawyer is the last thing on your mind, but in the hours and days that follow, it should be high on your list of priorities.

First Steps (Barring Serious Injury, Of Course)

Along with your license, insurance card, and list of medications and emergency contacts, keep a short list of what to do in the event of a motorcycle accident.

Dial 911.

Administer first aid or keep an injured person still and warm until first responders arrive.

Barring serious injury, start gathering as much information as you can:

Contact information for all involved, including witnesses.

Insurance information of drivers.

Make, model, and license plates of involved vehicles.

Pictures and video of the scene from different points of view.

Save time and prevent mistakes by using your phone’s camera and video features.

Record witness accounts and your own side of the story while everything is fresh in your mind.

Do not leave the scene unless you’re transported by EMTs.

Afterward, Watch Your Step

In the days that follow an accident, the other party’s insurance company will probably contact you. Don’t talk to them — they specialize in asking questions in ways that will trip you up and make your insurance company liable.

Hard as it may be to wait, don’t repair your bike right away. Wait for a professional assessment of the damage.

Keep records of all your expenses related to the motorcycle accident, such as repair bills, medical visits and bills, costs to rent another vehicle, and costs associated with time off work.

As Soon As Possible, Consult an Attorney

Even if your bike was the only vehicle involved in the motorcycle accident, an attorney can figure out if there were extenuating circumstances beyond your control, such as incorrect or unclear signage, poorly maintained road surfaces, or malfunctioning traffic lights.

The attorneys of Pat Maloney understand a motorcyclist’s love of freedom, but after a motorcycle accident is no time to go it alone. Contact us today!

If you work in an industry that involves driving trucks, chances are that your main job is getting from point A to point B on time and under budget — end of job description. Your responsibility for the truck itself may not go much further than ensuring there’s enough gas in the tank to complete the assigned job. But poor truck maintenance is a significant contributing factor to many road and construction site accidents.

There are many signs that the truck you’re driving for your job may not be properly maintained. Checking for these indications of poor truck maintenance could not only save your job, it could also save your life and those of the other drivers who share the road.

Damaged windows, particularly the windshield
Cracks in the windshield, side windows, or rear window could block your vision just enough to affect your reaction time. You can’t avoid a crash if you don’t see the danger coming. In addition, a cracked windshield isn’t as effective at deflecting flying objects as an intact one.

Worn-out brakes
Is there a terrible grinding sound or a distinct wobble or vibration when you apply the brakes, especially at highway speeds? Does the truck pull to one side or the other when you step on the pedal? This sign of poor truck maintenance means the brakes are long overdue to be serviced.

Broken or burned-out headlights, turn signals, or other lights.
Not only is it illegal in most places to drive with a headlight out, it’s dangerous, especially at night. A broken interior light can be more than a minor inconvenience if an emergency situation arises.

Old, bald tires
Tires with worn-down tread — or worse, completely bald — not only decrease your traction, they raise the likelihood you’ll roll over in a high-speed accident.

What Can You Do?

With poor truck maintenance as a leading cause of vehicle accidents, your safety is as important as that of other drivers on the road. Inspect your assigned vehicle before and after every run, and make sure the personnel responsible follow through with repairs.

If you’re in an accident due to poor truck maintenance, make sure your “repair schedule” includes a Pat Maloney attorney. Call us today.

When you sit down with your truck accident lawyer to discuss your case, it’s not unlike a doctor’s appointment. Small details matter, and if you fail (or forget) to share every symptom with your doctor — no matter how insignificant or unrelated it seems — they can’t prescribe effective treatment.

The same applies to your truck accident lawyer. No matter how small, insignificant, or even embarrassing, minor details can make the different between winning your case or going home empty handed.

From the first moment you sit down with your attorney, total honesty and complete disclosure is a must. Here are five things your truck accident lawyer needs to know, things you might be surprised they need to know.

Past Injuries and Illnesses

If you’ve ever suffered an injury or illness in the past — and who among us hasn’t — tell your attorney every gory detail. The lawyer for the opposing party can and will use your health history against you in order to claim your pain and suffering is due to an unrelated cause. In addition, you should tell your attorney if you’ve had any other injuries or illnesses since the accident.

Your Past Legal Record

Technically, your past legal history should have no bearing on your current court case. That doesn’t mean every speeding ticket or misdemeanor isn’t going to come up in order to establish a pattern of reckless behavior. Background checks are routine, but it’s best to ensure that your truck accident lawyer won’t encounter any surprises.

Your Financial History

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy in the past? Or are you filing concurrently with your injury case? It’s important your lawyer is aware of this so they can work to make sure at least some of your settlement stays in your bank account, not your creditors’.

Trust between a truck accident lawyer and a client is paramount. Our attorneys are the best at what they do; you can rest assured your case is in capable hands. Contact us today.

When you’ve been in a wreck, the first piece of advice you’ll likely be inundated with will be to hire a lawyer for automobile accidents. And that’s sound advice. But where do you start? And more importantly, how do you know you’ve found the right one?

Supply follows demand.
This is why you’ll see pages upon pages of listings in the phone book and endless Google search results for accident lawyers. So, determine beforehand if you actually need a lawyer for the size of claim you’re filing. Was it a no-injury fender-bender, easily taken care of in small claims court? Or were significant medical bills accrued and work time lost, a situation that may require an attorney’s expertise?

Experience is essential.
When searching for a lawyer for automobile accidents, concentrate on key words that apply to your case: personal injury, wrongful death, property destruction, accident liability, etc. The attorney’s physical location should also be a factor in your choice because office visits will be much more convenient, especially if you’re injured. During your free initial consultation, you can determine your candidate’s level of knowledge concerning state and national laws, how well they navigate the labyrinth of insurance company requirements, their level of education, years of experience, and their success rate.

Quality costs, but second-rate costs more.
A qualified, successful lawyer for automobile accidents won’t generally cost you anything initially, not until you’ve won your case. Yes, the attorney’s fees (which should be clearly outlined from the start) will claim a portion of your court-awarded dollars. But before you’re tempted to save a few percentage points with a less-experienced lawyer, remember that if you lose your case, your lawyer may get nothing, but you’re still paying medical bills and car repairs.

Don’t settle for less than the best when you need a lawyer for automobile accidents. Contact us today

A car accident settlement can be one of the toughest negotiations you’ll ever encounter. Don’t go into it without backup, in terms of evidence and representation.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

There’s no reason to delay the start of the negotiation process with the insurance company after you’re healed (or healed enough to devote time and energy to the process). Make sure you have all your evidence in place and organized, such as:

Police reports.

Medical records.

Photographs.

Witness statements.

The more detailed these records, the better — you don’t want to leave any stone unturned in getting enough in the settlement to cover your losses.

Aim a Little Higher Than Necessary

The first rule of negotiating a car accident settlement is similar to bartering: figure out a fair price, and start negotiations a minimum of 25 percent above it. The insurance company will undoubtedly come back with a lowball offer. If after several rounds of negotiation, no agreement is reached, you may be headed for court. It’s up to you to decide if the insurance company’s final offer is truly too low or if it’s close enough to your goal to not draw out the process any longer than necessary.

Don’t Lose Your Temper

The insurance representatives will resort to several tactics to get your emotions riled up, including minimizing the severity of your injuries. Don’t fall for it. Remain calm and stick to the facts to maximize your car accident settlement.

Don’t Go on Record(ing)

If an insurance adjuster requests that you make a recorded audio or video statement, don’t. Remember “anything you say can and will be used against you,” and the nervousness you experience while being recorded could trigger the tendency to talk more than you normally would.

Don’t Wonder Why

The whole process of negotiating a car accident settlement can seem convoluted and at times, make no sense. That’s why it’s a good idea to have experienced representation to stay focused on the task at hand, maximizing your settlement to cover your expenses.

http://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.png00Pat Maloneyhttp://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.pngPat Maloney2017-06-14 09:00:342017-06-14 09:00:34Get the Most Out of a Car Accident Settlement

When you’re traveling for your daily commute, reckless driving consequences are usually the last things on your mind. It’s a known fact that releasing pent-up frustration can be healthy. Crank up the music, and sing at the top of your lungs. Scream into a pillow. Work it out at the gym. But one of the worst places to vent is behind the wheel of a two-ton missile, otherwise known as your car.

Temper, emotion, busyness, even the temptation to have a little fun can have horrendous repercussions if you’re not thinking about reckless driving consequences. In Texas, reckless driving is defined as willfully operating a vehicle without regard for the damage you could do to yourself, other people, or property.

Speeding

Speeding can cover more than just driving above the posted speed limit. Driving too fast for road or weather conditions is easy to do, especially if you’re in a hurry. Just ask first responders who grimace every time flash flood warnings are issued — it means they’ll probably be rescuing someone who overestimated their driving skills and underestimated the power of less than a foot of moving water.

At best, reckless driving consequences could include a misdemeanor charge, a fine, or maybe jail time. At worst? Innocent lives could be affected.

Eluding Police

In Texas, if you fail to immediately pull over if signaled or verbally ordered to do so by a uniformed officer in a marked car, you could face a charge of fleeing or attempting to elude. Police, who have seen too many innocent victims in the aftermath of police chases, take this very seriously. You could be looking at up to a year in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. Throw alcohol into the mix, and your license could be suspended for a very long time.

Drag Racing

If you’re charged with drag racing, now you’re flirting with a felony. If someone is hurt or killed as a result, the reckless driving consequences could be a couple decades behind bars.

In any case — especially yours — don’t set foot in a courtroom without skilled representation by your side. Going it alone could be the most reckless act of all.

The worst thing about back pain after a car accident is that you may not notice it right away. By the time that dull ache morphs into take-your-breath-away agony, you might be outside the vital window to report it as a result of the wreck.

The time to take action to address back pain after a car accident is before liability is determined and the insurance companies have settled. Otherwise, you could be paying tens of thousands of dollars out of your own pocket for treatment and recovery expenses.

Be Aware of Symptoms

In the adrenaline rush, you might miss subtle symptoms that later manifest as severe back pain after a car accident.

Numbness and tingling in your hands, feet, arms, leg, or face.

Muscle weakness.

Shooting or “zinging” sensations down your legs.

Pain Can Travel

With three distinct regions (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) and a complicated structure of vertebrae, discs, muscles, tendons, and nerves, the site of the injury may be hard to pin down, particularly if pains are shooting to other areas of your body. Some common injuries that cause back pain after a car accident include:

Damaged discs between the vertebrae, which can press on sensitive nerves.

Soft tissue damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Fractured vertebrae that may not always cause paralysis but will cause pain.

Torsion injuries to bones and soft tissues due to the twisting forces of an impact.

The quicker you begin treatment for back pain after a car accident, the better. Hopefully, rest and anti-inflammatory medications will do the job, but if you need more intense treatment and end up missing work, the evidence you’ve gathered since day one can help an experienced attorney get the compensation you deserve to cover your expenses.

http://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.png00Pat Maloneyhttp://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.pngPat Maloney2017-04-30 19:57:032017-04-30 19:57:03Take Action When You Have Back Pain After a Car Accident

When you get in your car to go to work or to run errands, are you ready to respond effectively to a car accident in San Antonio today? Chances are, the answer is “no.” You’re thinking about a big meeting or project or making sure you didn’t forget your shopping list.

If you end up being involved in a fender bender or a more serious accident, being prepared for the worst is the best way to maximize the chances of a positive outcome.

What are some of the ways you can be prepared for a car accident in San Antonio today, without breaking the bank or taking up too much room in your car?

Physical Health and Survival

When you’re putting together a first-aid and survival kit, periodically run an inventory and rehearse in your mind which items you’ll need and when.

Water
Your body can last a surprisingly long time without food. Water? Not so much. Staying hydrated is your first priority if you’re stuck in a remote location.

Food
Energy bars, particularly the ones designed for long shelf lives, are the best choice.

Warmth
A shiny “space blanket” folds up small and reflects body heat back toward you. A wool blanket works well too, even when wet. Hypothermia isn’t unheard of even in San Antonio’s moderate climate.

Light
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. A flashlight and extra batteries are a must.

Accident Scene Safety and Scene Documentation

Reflective vest and traffic cones/safety triangles.

Flashlight, with extra batteries.

Fire extinguisher.

Multi-tool.

Disposable digital camera with flash.

Pre-printed accident scene checklist (available online), clipboard, and pen. With this handy diagram, form, and checklist, you can quickly write down vital details about the accident before they escape your memory in all the ensuing confusion.

Measuring tape to record skid mark length and size of photographed damage.

There’s no better time than right now to be prepared for a car accident in San Antonio today. And don’t forget to put our contact information in your kit!

http://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.png00Pat Maloneyhttp://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.pngPat Maloney2017-04-10 19:42:482017-04-10 19:42:48What to Do When in a Car Accident in San Antonio Today

It’s not hard to discern that there are more vehicles on the roads than ever before. And with a rising population on the move, there’s increasing demand to find a qualified vehicle accident lawyer.

As long as people are driving—and you’re good at what you do—job security should not be an issue.

What qualifications do you need to fill the vehicle accident lawyer niche?

College Degrees

Yes, that is degrees, plural. A vehicle accident lawyer must have a bachelor’s degree and an additional law degree. The good news is, if you already have a bachelor’s degree—any major—you’ve cleared one hurdle. All you need to do is pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) to be qualified to apply to the law school of your choice. Once you’ve completed the often-grueling regimen of classroom instruction and real-world internships, your last task is to pass the bar exam.

You may be surprised to learn that the learning never ends. In order to keep your license to practice as a vehicle accident lawyer, you’ll need to complete a set number of continuing legal education (CLE) hours each year.

Employment Prospects

With your degrees and newly minted law license in hand, gainful employment is right around the corner. You’ll find that while there seems to be plenty of openings, competition for those vehicle accident lawyer jobs is high. The better your academic record and job history (both paid and unpaid work), the more likely you’ll get a foot in the door.

What Are the Rewards?

No doubt about it, the best vehicle accident lawyers are a rare combination of people persons and procedural geeks. For those who are adept at thinking on their feet—a skill that gets stronger with experience, patience, and self-confidence—the rewards go far beyond the financial. Salaries vary wildly depending on where you live, how much experience you bring to the position, and for which firms you choose to work. There is no set industry standard. But for the right person, a career as a vehicle accident lawyer is anything but ordinary.

Hoping to become a vehicle accident lawyer? We’re among San Antonio’s best. Call us for advice, whether you need a lawyer—or want to become one.

http://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.png00Pat Maloneyhttp://patmaloney.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/pat-maloney.pngPat Maloney2017-03-20 22:25:422017-03-20 22:25:42Resources to Help You Become a Vehicle Accident Lawyer

ABOUT US

The Law Offices of Pat Maloney has established a tradition of excellence and dedication for our clients who have been victimized. As a leading San Antonio personal injury lawyer, we are known and respected throughout San Antonio, the state of Texas, and the nation as one of the preeminent law firms in America.